Iowa Nursing License: NLC Status, Endorsement, and BON
Last reviewed: by Jayson Minagawa, BSN, RN
Iowa Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) status
Iowa is currently Implemented (multistate licenses currently issued). This means RNs whose Primary State of Residence (PSOR) is Iowa can hold a multistate license that allows practice in all NLC-implemented states. As of 2026, 41 states are NLC-implemented; review the interactive compact map for current status nationwide.
Iowa Board of Nursing
The Iowa Board of Nursing (BON) regulates RN, LPN/LVN, and APRN practice in the state. Official website: nursing.iowa.gov. The BON sets initial licensure requirements, renewal cycle and CE hours, scope of practice, and disciplinary actions. Always verify current fees and forms on the BON website — fees and processing times change annually.
License by endorsement (moving to Iowa)
If you hold an active RN license in another U.S. state and want to practice in Iowa, you apply for a license by endorsement. Because Iowa is NLC-implemented, simply changing your Primary State of Residence (PSOR) to Iowa converts your multistate license — no separate application needed (process: 30-60 days). The Nursys verification system (run by NCSBN) is the standard cross-state license-verification tool used by every state BON.
Continuing education and renewal
RN license renewal in Iowa is on a 2-year cycle in most cases (verify on the BON website). CE hour requirements vary by state — most require 20-30 hours per cycle, with specific topic requirements (pain management, opioids, infection control, ethics) common. Many states accept ANCC-accredited CE; some require state-board-approved providers specifically. The free nurse CEU finder indexes free CE by state.
Travel nursing in Iowa
Iowa is part of the NLC, so any travel nurse with a multistate license can take an assignment in Iowa without applying for a separate state license. See the travel nursing in Iowa guide for state-specific pay rates, top hospitals, and tax considerations.